Once fleas get into your carpet, they can be challenging to remove, and you’ll probably have a lot of questions. If you’re wondering how to get rid of these invasive pests, the good news is that it’s possible to remove them on your own. Since fleas get into your home on your pets, it’s best to consider them and work on keeping them clean and free of fleas in the first place.

    In this article, you’ll learn:

    • How To Get Rid of and Kill Fleas in a Carpet
    • How to Prevent Fleas from Getting in a Carpet

    By understanding how to kill fleas and keep them out of your carpet in the long run, you can make sure that your family and pets will be comfortable.

    If trying to exterminate fleas on your own becomes too challenging, we recommend OrkinTerminix, and Aptive. These exterminators have some of the best-trained professionals that can use traps, baits, and other chemically treated solutions that are often more effective than standard DIY methods.

    For Terminix quotes, you can reach them at 866-577-5051 or with this form.

    For quotes from Orkin, call 866-701-4556, or fill out this form.

    For a free quote from Aptive, call 855-521-7075 or visit the company’s website.

    How To Get Rid of and Kill Fleas in a Carpet

    1. Treat Your Pet First

    The first step towards getting rid of fleas in your carpet should always be to treat your pet. If you don’t do this, you’ll end up reinfesting your carpet with flea eggs after you’ve treated it and will have to start the whole process over. Adult female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which will roll off your pet and into your carpet, where they hatch within one to two weeks. Use effective flea treatments for cats and dogs like oral medication and a thorough bath to kill any adult fleas before you start to treat your carpet.

    2. Use a Flea Bomb With an IGR Ingredient

    Most flea bombs use chemicals that are only meant to kill the adults, which means that generic flea bombs won’t kill any eggs sitting on your carpet and waiting to hatch. To kill the eggs and adults, use a flea bomb fogger that contains an IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) ingredient called (S)-Methoprene that interrupts the flea life cycle. This flea bomb will also get into the upholstery of your furniture and kill any adults or eggs that have made their home there.

    3. Vacuum Thoroughly

    Once you have treated your pet and your home, you should vacuum your carpet as thoroughly as possible. This will get rid of any flea dirt that may have been tracked into the house, as well as any living eggs that might have gotten past the flea bomb fogger. Vacuuming in conjunction with flea control products is the best way to thoroughly remove any potential female fleas or eggs left in the carpet. Make sure you empty the vacuum bag after using it.

    4. Steam Clean Your Carpet

    Once you’ve vacuumed and treated your pets, wait at least a week and then steam clean your carpet. If you steam clean too soon, you risk undoing the IGR and allowing new fleas to hatch. You will have to live with the smell of the flea bomb for the week before you use the steam cleaner, but it’ll be worth it to know that your home and pets don’t have a flea infestation anymore.

    How to Prevent Fleas from Getting in a Carpet

    1. Clean Pet Bedding

    To keep fleas from getting into your carpet, clean any bedding your pets use at least once a week with hot water. This will help prevent eggs from hatching and keep flea larvae from getting to the reproduction stage. It will also give your pet a cleaner, safer place to sleep.

    2. Treat Pets With Preventive Medication

    One of the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks from getting into your carpet is to keep them off your pets to begin with. Give your pets preventive medication or a flea collar to keep fleas out of the house and out of the carpet. If they don’t have a chance to get on your pets in the first place, you won’t develop a flea problem down the line.

    3. Trim Vegetation

    Fleas live in tall grass and vegetation, where they latch onto your pet as they walk past. If you keep the plants and grass in your yard trimmed, your pets will receive fewer flea bites, and you will need to do less flea control in and around your home. It will also help reduce the number of ticks and other insects that could get inside by hitching a ride on your pets.

    4. Bathe Your Pets

    Giving your pets regular baths will help prevent fleas and keep them from getting into your carpet. Use a gentle pet shampoo and thoroughly scrub them, checking your dogs or cats for fleas as you do. This process will remove adult fleas and also any flea eggs that might be stuck in their fur.

    5. Use a Flea Comb

    Flea combs are incredibly fine-toothed combs that you can use to get rid of fleas before they have a chance to get in the house. If your pet has been outside, take a few minutes and comb them before bringing them in. This will help remove any fleas or ticks that they may have picked up while they were out in the yard or at the park.

    Keep Fleas Out of Your Carpet Effectively

    Fleas can be an incredibly irritating pest, and if they get into your carpet, they can be very difficult to remove. By taking some preventive steps to make sure your pet doesn’t bring these pests into the house, you can avoid going through the treatment process.

    If you do end up with a flea infestation, the good news is that you can take DIY steps and use home remedies to remove them yourself. However, if you want to be absolutely sure that your flea problem is removed, a professional exterminator can help. Pest control technicians have the tools and the knowledge to thoroughly get rid of any eggs and adults and prevent future infestations.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Treat pets with preventive medication

    One of the best ways to prevent fleas from getting into your carpet is to keep them off your pets to begin with. Give your pets preventive medication or a flea collar to keep fleas out of the house and out of the carpet.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Ed Spicer

    Ed Spicer

    Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management.

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